While all of these are well worth a visit, we particularly enjoyed our visit to Mc and Sons, which is the only one of the above immediately awarded an 'Honourable Mention' yellow tick in the Guide.

New brewery added to list: Small Beer Brew Co, Bermondsey

Posted 2018-03-04 04:18:21

Yes, another brewery in Bermondsey, but this one is a little different: Small Beer Brew Co, as the name implies, will specialise in beers between 0.5% and 2.8% ABV. I'm not sure they were quite 'the world's first' in this regard - given that Nirvana started with a similar mission last year - but regardless, I am looking forward to trying their beers.

New Guide entry: The Bitter End, Bromley

Posted 2018-02-28 12:50:49

All of a sudden, Bromley now has a second excellent beer destination - a new micropub in a former off licence called The Bitter End. This is well worth a visit, especially as it can easily be combined with a visit to the rather wonderful Star and Garter in the centre of town.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

Deletions from Guide: Brodies, King William IV, Rocky Head

Posted 2018-02-26 10:21:33

I've deleted two breweries from the Guide: firstly Brodies, who've been brewing at another location outside London for some time. The original plan was for this to be a temporary arrangement pending a return to Leyton, but it seems this is now a permanent arrangement. Their pub in Leyton, King William IV - the original home of the brewery - has also been sold and so we've removed it from the Guide until we see what the new owners do with it.

The second brewery deletion is Rocky Head, who have closed their Southfields brewery - according to a report in London Drinker. We understand they plan to continue through a sharing arrangement with another brewery, but have no further information on this. I really hope they do find a way to continue brewing as I have always really enjoyed their beers.

The total number of London breweries falls to 108 as a result of these changes:

New Guide entry: Beer Merchants Tap, Hackney Wick

Posted 2018-02-23 02:41:27

The Hackney Wick beer scene started off with Crate Brewery, which opened just before the 2012 Olympics. It's been great to watch the area slowly develop since then, and with the opening of Beer Merchants Tap, it is now firmly established as one of London's best areas for good beer.

The new Beer Merchants Tap is superb and a destination in its own right - well worth a special journey - but factor in Mason & Co, Howling Hops - as well as Crate - and you've got four great places within a 10 minute walk. Visit soon and enjoy.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: 7000 Jars of Beer, Kingston

Posted 2018-02-21 11:21:59

Another bottle shop bar, but a really nice one - this time in the very centre of Kingston upon Thames - with a very good selection of around 230 beers for take away or drinking on site.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

Addition to brewery list: Camden Town Brewery (Enfield)

Posted 2018-02-19 11:58:01

I realised at the weekend that we still only had one listing for Camden Town Brewery on our London brewery list, but they are continuing to brew both at the original brewery in Kentish Town as well as the much larger new brewery in Enfield.

Following confirmation via Twitter that this is the case, I have now added a second entry on our list to reflect this. Look out for their new #Arch55 projects coming soon at Kentish Town.

This increases the total number of London breweries to 110. Full list here:

Brewery updates: one in, one out

Posted 2018-02-17 04:38:28

Hops and Glory brewpub on Essex Road, N1 has now closed - both the pub and brewery. While its future is uncertain, there are rumours that brewing may return, so watch this space. In the meantime we've deleted both pub and brewery from our list.

Tiny Vessel is not a new brewery, but its one we've previously missed. Brewing in Hampton on the same estate as Oddly - but in a different unit - their presence only came to light quite recently so we've added them to our list.

New Guide entry: Moor Beer Co Vaults & Tap Room

Posted 2018-01-28 05:20:18

Just when you thought it was safe to visit Bermondsey again, this new gem appears on the mile: Moor Beer Co Vaults & Tap Room, almost next door to Brew By Numbers.

The excellent beers from Moor Beer Co make this a must visit destination, and with barrel ageing to follow there are sure to be many more great beers emerging from this arch in months and years to come.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: German Kraft Beer Tap Room

Posted 2018-01-28 05:16:39

Elephant and Castle's Mercato Metropolitano is fast becoming a must visit destination for both food and beer, and the beer offer has been improved further with the addition of this impressive brewpub, German Kraft Beer. Exclusively focussed on German style beers, they are offering something a bit different in London and their tap room is well worth a visit.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

Deletion from brewery list: Long Arm (at Ealing Park Tavern)

Posted 2018-01-17 23:57:15

Long Arm have closed their original brewery at the Ealing Park Tavern, with all production now coming from their Worship Street site, EC2. This deletion from the list reduces the number of London breweries to 109:

New brewery added to list: Deviant and Dandy

Posted 2018-01-10 12:17:05

Deviant and Dandy have now done their first brew at their new brewery in Hackney, so we've added them to our list. They become the 110th brewery in London (though it seems Long Arm may no longer be brewing at their Ealing Park Tavern site, so the number may swiftly return to 109). The full list can be found here:

More London brewery updates + final 2017 numbers

Posted 2017-12-30 04:52:36

Plato Brewing, who used to have a unit at Netil Market, Hackney, appear to have moved out of London and we understand they are now brewing in Dorset. We've therefore deleted them from our London brewery list. I am not clear why their website is silent on the subject of their current location....

The old brewkit at the Florence, Herne Hill, is now back up and running, being used as a 'training academy'. with brews by the trainees now being found on the bar at the pub. We've therefore reinstated this as a new London brewery, though arguably it may sit better in the brewpubs list. Let's see where the beer ends up in the future.

Project 88 is a new brewery based at or very near Beer & Burger, Willesden Green, and you can find several of their beers on the bar. We have little information on this at the moment but we've added them as a new London brewery.

These last minute changes take the total number of current London breweries to a year end total of 109, a net increase for the year of 13:

Deletion from brewery list: The Aeronaut, Acton

Posted 2017-12-28 12:11:40

A year ago there was a serious fire at The Aeronaut - the Laine Brewing venue in Acton. Fortunately nobody was hurt but they were out of action for most of 2017. They reopened just before Christmas, but it has now been confirmed that the on site brewery is no more and won't be returning, so we have deleted it from our brewery list.

New brewery added to list: German Kraft Brewery

Posted 2017-12-28 00:21:48

German Kraft Brewery are now up and running, brewing a range of Germany-inspired beers on their new kit in Mercato Metropolitano, Elephant & Castle. We think most of their production will be served on site so we've added them as a new brewpub.

Deletion from Guide: Wimbledon Brewery Tap

The brewery tap at Wimbledon Brewery is no longer opening, mainly due to lack of space following an expansion of the brewery. There is a shop, however, open Mon to Fri 11-5 for off sales only.

Deletion from Guide: Duke's Brew & Que

Posted 2017-12-05 11:23:34

Totally out of the blue, Beavertown yesterday announced the immediate closure of Duke's Brew & Que in Haggerston. This was our favourite place for food and beer in London, so we are extremely saddened to hear this news. There is no information about what happened to the staff, and while we assume Beavertown will look after them as best they can, this is terrible news for any staff to receive three weeks before Christmas.

The reason given for the closure is that Duke's 'is no longer a natural fit for Beavertown's future'. While it is clearly none of my business why it has closed, this sounds like the sort of PR speak more normally associated with another well known brewery whose name also begins with B. The odd thing is that a change of direction like this would not normally require immediate closure - and certainly not 3 weeks before Christmas, when most restaurants will be at their busiest - so naturally, customers and other commentators are bound to speculate and assume something more sinister is at play.

If the product and brand no longer align, then the product can be evolved or changed to meet future brand requirements. A restaurant can be closed temporarily, refurbished and relaunched: immediate, permanent closure appears a bit drastic and out of kilter with the 'problem' which has been given as the reason requiring immediate closure.

Whatever the reason, this is a huge loss to London's beer scene. Having first visited early in 2012 a few months after they opened - and when Logan was still brewing in the kitchen - we returned time and again over the last (nearly) 6 years, despite it being located at the other side of London. It was SO well worth the trip and the effort.

We wish Beavertown every success for the future, of course, but I'm not sure they know how brilliant this place and its superb staff team was and just how much it will be missed.

UPDATE: Beavertown have since confirmed that Duke's was not making money, and this is the reason for the sudden closure. I am not sure why this could not have been explained more clearly in the initial annoucement.

New brewery added to list: Hale Brewing, Tottenham Hale

Posted 2017-12-03 04:04:16

Following the relocation of Affinity Brewing to the old Partizan space in Bermondsey, Hale Brewing is now up and running at Five Miles, Tottenham Hale.

New brewery added to list: Pretty Decent Beer Co, Forest Gate

Posted 2017-10-30 10:35:43

There's a new brewery now up and running in Forest Gate, E7. Pretty Decent Beer Co have a range of beers which they say are 'accessible and sessionable', so no names, just beers which apparently do as they say on the label or pump clip - hence IPA, Pale Ale, etc. I say 'apparently' only because I have yet to taste the beers.

They have a tap room which is now open and which we hope to visit soon - hours are on their website but current opening days are Thurs to Sun.

Some of their proceeds go to a water and sanitation project in Africa, reflecting the former career of one of the founders.

The addition of Pretty Decent Beer Co brings the current London total back up to 107:

New Guide entry: London Beer Lab Tap Room

Posted 2017-10-11 12:00:58

London Beer Lab shared a tap room in Loughborough Junction with Clarkshaw's for a while, but they've now opened their own in their original brewery close to the centre of Brixton. It is well worth a visit.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Mother Kelly's SE1

Posted 2017-10-11 11:59:16

The new Mother Kelly's in Vauxhall is really excellent - so much so that we are delighted to nominate it as a Guide 'top pick'. The beer list is as you'd expect from the original MK in Bethnal Green, but the surroundings we like even more.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

Deletion from brewery list: Old Street Brewery (Queen's Head)

Posted 2017-10-04 10:33:14

I understand that brewing has stopped and the equipment removed from the Queen's Head near Kings Cross, so we have deleted their called 'Old Street Brewery' from our list.

New Guide entry: Royal Oak, W1

Posted 2017-08-17 07:44:34

There's another good beer bar in Marylebone, not far from the Globe which opened in 2015. This one - the Royal Oak - is a sister pub to Stoke Newington's Prince, and while the selection is perhaps not quite as good as that in the Prince, it still merits a new entry in the Guide.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Richmond Tap Tavern

Posted 2017-08-17 07:41:53

Richmond upon Thames has a new beer bar, right in the centre of town. Richmond Tap Tavern offers an excellent range of beers and we are delighted to include it in the Guide.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

Deletion from Guide: Craft Beer Co, Clapham

Posted 2017-08-01 04:12:08

Craft Beer Co's Clapham pub is now closed. A new pub/bar called 'Clapham Tap' is taking its place - but we are pretty certain this has no connection with the Euston Tap, Waterloo Tap etc mini chain.

We really liked Craft in Clapham and are sorry to see it go. However, it is disappointing to note that Craft Beer Co have been completely silent on the matter, leaving it to us punters to find out ourselves through word of mouth. Indeed, the pub is still listed prominently on their website.

This is very odd and dispiriting. Surely customers deserve better communication than this? If there was a lease issue or the site didn't work as planned, then why not just announce it - surely saying something is better than nothing? Mind you, Craft have previous in this regard, having announced a new opening in Croydon last year which never materialised. Again, there was no announcement and it was left to bemused punters to figure it out for themselves.

We are not impressed by this complete lack of communication from Craft Beer Co, who, in contrast, are prolific on social media when opening new sites and want to spread the word. Why not the same for closures and the like? I think customers deserve better than to be taken for granted in this way.

Deletion from Guide: Hop Burns and Black Can Station

Posted 2017-07-30 08:35:56

It was only ever intended as a summer pop up, but as summer has given up the ghost early this year, the Hop Burns and Black pop up Can Station is now closed. Hopefully we will see it return in due course, but for now we've deleted it from the Guide.

New Guide entry: Kill the Cat, Brick Lane, E1

Posted 2017-07-30 08:33:54

We finally got a chance to visit Kill the Cat, a very stylish bottle shop/tasting room on Brick Lane. It's been open a while now and seems to be doing very well. Three draft beers plus all the bottles are available for on-site drinking.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

Deletion from Guide: Hop and Berry, Islington

Posted 2017-07-29 09:54:28

News reached the Guide this week of the closure of Hop and Berry, Islington. We really liked this place, which focused primarily on London beers, so we are sorry to hear of its demise.

Three new London breweries

Posted 2017-07-16 04:26:18

I've added three new breweries to our list, as follows;

Long Arm Worship Street - a new brewpub in Shoreditch from the Long Arm Brewing Co people.

New Guide entry: Brewheadz Tap Room, Tottenham Hale

Posted 2017-06-12 11:50:01

Tottenham Hale has another brewery tap, a short and very pleasant walk from Beavertown. If you like quieter breweries then this newer one will provide respite after the crowds and queues at Beavertown. The beer's pretty good too, and you are sure to get a friendly welcome.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Pillars Brewery Tap Room

Posted 2017-06-12 11:34:26

The second brewery in the Ravenswood Industrial Estate, a 10 minute walk from Walthamstow Central, is rather good. Pillars Brewery aims to 'reinvent' lager and on early evidence they are doing some pretty good beers. The tap room provides an excellent view of the shiny brewery.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: The Great Northern Railway Tavern

Posted 2017-06-12 10:34:58

This is another example of Fullers showing great imagination and willingness to embrace modern trends: yes it's a Fullers pub, but the branding is low key and the beer range is dominated by guest beers from a range of high quality breweries. We really enjoyed our first visit and are very happy to recommend this excellent pub.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Bohem Brewery Tap Room

Posted 2017-06-09 10:31:56

If you want to experience a London brewery doing something different - and doing it well - then check out Bohem Brewery's new tap room in Bowes Park. We think you'll find it's rather good!

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: The Douglas Fir, Anerley

Posted 2017-06-09 10:15:15

We finally got a chance to visit Gipsy Hill Brewery's micropub in Anerley, The Douglas Fir, which opened as a pop up last year and finally on a permanent basis earlier in 2017.

We really enjoyed our visit and are happy to include the pub in the Guide.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: HB&B Can Station at Serious Pig, Peckham Rye

Posted 2017-06-08 12:55:07

Hop Burns and Black have teamed up with Serious Pig to offer a unique 'can station' and bar much closer to Peckham Rye station than their original shop. Teaming up with Serious Pig means some serious cans available just a few arches down from Brick Brewery. This one looks like it will be a winner!

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Star and Garter, Bromley

Posted 2017-05-28 09:31:57

Bromley has its first Guide entry: Star & Garter, the excellent sister pub to Camberwell's Stormbird. It has one of the best beer ranges of any 2017 Guide entry to date, and is well worth a special trip.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

Four new Guide entries, three in West London

Posted 2017-05-28 09:29:26

I've added four new entries to the Guide, including 3 very good new additions in West London. They are:

Hop Locker 3: now open in a container on the South Bank, 7 days a week for the summer:

Belgian Beer Festival, 21-22 July 2017

Posted 2017-05-14 12:44:08

There's a new Belgian Beer Festival called 'Ales Tales Festival' on at Oval Space, E2 (near Bethnal Green - in the former London Craft Beer Festival space) on 21-22 July. The initial list of breweries - see below - looks promising and more will be announced in due course.

London brewery updates: one in, one out, one new name

Posted 2017-05-05 01:11:45

There have been three recent changes to London breweries, as follows:

Left Bank (Walthamstow) have stopped brewing at their Blackhorse Workshop site, with the brewer relocating to Wales. He plans to continue brewing 'at various locations', pending finding a new site in Powys. As they are no longer brewing on their own kit in London I have deleted them from our brewery list.

Oddly Beer have now started brewing on their own kit in Hampton, which is in LB Richmond upon Thames and so I've added them as a new London brewery. They were previously brewing at Clouded Minds in Warwickshire.

Finally, the brewpub at the Bull, Highgate has been renamed Gorgeous Brewery, and our list of breweries has been updated accordingly.

The total of current London breweries remains at 102, though there are a few I need to get updates on.

New Guide entry: Caps and Taps, Kentish Town

Posted 2017-03-26 09:03:09

Caps and Taps is another excellent bottle shop bar which, as well as a stellar beer range to take away, now offers on site drinking. It's small and basic, but a good place to stop for a couple of beers - and you're sure to find something of interest. Close to both Camden Town Brewery and their bar on Kentish Town Road, Camden's Daughter.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Forest Road Tap Room, Hackney

Posted 2017-03-26 08:59:15

Forest Road brew in Belgium, but their tap room is right next to Netil Market in London Fields, Hackney. We really enjoyed our first visit here - expect around 6 beers on draft including some Forest Road beers + guests, including the outstanding Hommelbier from Van Eecke in Watou, where Forest Road currently brew.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Beer and Burger, Willesden Green

Posted 2017-03-22 13:17:02

A few years ago if someone had told you they were opening a place like this with a, quite frankly, oustanding beer list in a location like this you'd have thought they were off their rocker. Now it seems like quite a normal and eminently sensible idea, and judging by a steady trade on my Monday night visit it seems the locals agree. The list of over 300 bottles and 20 excellent drafts is one of the best in London. The burgers aren't half bad either....

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: The Italian Job, Notting Hill

Posted 2017-03-22 13:13:21

London's second Italian Job - the third if you count their excellent venue at Mercato Metropolitano in Elephant and Castle - might well be even better than their first in Chiswick. With 14 taps and two cask beers, it certainly has the potential. An imposing corner pub, it's been given an up market refurb yet retains a lot of character and comfort. We will watch how the locals take to such a high quality offering of mainly Italian beer with interest.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New brewpub added to list: Block Brewery (at Wenlock Arms)

Posted 2017-03-09 12:42:42

Wenlock Arms now have a brewery downstairs - Block Brewery - and as their beers have been seen on the bar at the Wenlock I've now added them to our list.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New brewpub added to list: PWA (at White Hart, SE14)

Posted 2017-03-09 12:35:21

I've added PWA to the list - yes, 'Paddys With Attitude' - who I am reliably informed have started brewing at the White Hart, SE14. Apparently their first beer - an 8.5% IIPA - was rather good. Reports welcome.

New Guide entry: Belleville Brewery Tap

Posted 2017-03-04 03:05:02

Belleville Brewery's tap room is now open, upstairs in the brewery right next to Wandsworth Common station. This provides a great opportunity to try their range of American inspired beers at source. The tap room is cosy and welcoming and a visit is highly recommended.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New brewery added to list: Nirvana Brewery

Posted 2017-02-19 04:28:24

Nirvana Brewery have now started brewing a range of entirely low and no alcohol beers at their brewery in East London.

Their aim is to 'create a range of alcohol free beers in a way without compromising on quality or taste...not sat lonely on a different shelf but rather sat alongside all the other good quality craft beers'.

Initial beers will include Karma Lager, Kosmic Stout and Mantra IPA and they are expected to be ready by April.

Nirvana's addition brings the total number of current London breweries on our list up to 100:

New Guide entry: Goose Island Vintage Ale House

Posted 2017-01-22 09:29:20

Goose Island have spent a lot of money on this place, but what a great job they've done. This place is comfortable and atmospheric yet very classy indeed. Friendly staff, good food, good beer - what's not to like?

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Ghost Whale, Brixton

Posted 2017-01-22 09:27:14

Brixton has another excellent beer destination with the recent opening of Ghost Whale, an excellent bottle shop bar offering over 300 beers. A short walk from Brixton Brewery this one is well worth a visit for its excellent range to either drink in or take home.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New brewery added to list: Neckstamper Brewing

Posted 2017-01-17 10:17:56

The first new addition to our London brewery list in 2017 is Neckstamper Brewing, based in Lea Valley, E10. Initial beers from their 10 barrel kit include a Craft Lager, an APA and an IPA.

Four new Guide entries

Posted 2016-12-27 04:55:28

We have a flurry of excellent new Guide entries to finish the year: a new BrewDog in Homerton; a new Craft Beer Co bar in Limehouse; the Mermaid in Clapton - from the people behind the King's Arms, Bethnal Green - and a brand new Cronx Brewery bar in Croydon's Boxpark.

Find then all in our Pubs section using the 'New enrty in the Guide in 2016' filter, here:

New brewery added to list: BrewHeadZ

Posted 2016-12-14 09:56:44

Another brewery based in Tottenham (Rosebery Industrial Estate, N17), BrewHeadZ have have a 4 barrel brewery and 4 x 8 barrel fermenters. They are now brewing so we've added them to our list as the 95th current London brewery.

New brewery added to list: Southey Brewing Co

Posted 2016-12-07 12:07:56

Southey Brewing Co are the first of the two breweries expected to emerge from the ashes of Late Knights, and they are now up and running. Their beers launched last week and should now be available in their London pub, Brockley's London Beer Dispensary.

New Guide entry: Micro Beers, East Sheen

Posted 2016-12-01 00:52:18

At the Guide we really like the new generation of bottle shop bars, and Micro Beers is another excellent example. Bringing great beer to an area which really needed it, Micro Beers offers over 200 beers to drink in or take away.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

Two new breweries: Marko Paulo Beers + Villages Brewery

Posted 2016-11-23 00:51:52

Marko Paulo Beers in Ealing and Village Brewery, Deptford have both started brewing, so we've added them to our list.

New brewery added to list: Affinity Brew Co

Posted 2016-11-22 10:49:56

Affinity Brew Co have now commenced brewing at their new brewery in Tottenham so we've added them to our list of London breweries. The total number of current breweries rises to 89, and a full list can be found here:

Affinity will be opening their tap room - a short distance from Beavertown - on Sat 10 December from 10am to 4pm; then again on 17th December (opening times TBC). After a break for Christmas and New Year they will resume weekly opening from Sat 7 Jan.

New Guide entry: The Hop Locker 2

Posted 2016-11-20 08:48:54

This is only a temporary location for the Winter period - until 8th January - but it's so good it has to have its own Guide entry. Expect the usual excellent beer on the 12 shiny new taps, alongside excellent customer service from the very friendly and helpful team.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: The Albion, Kingston

Posted 2016-10-26 11:40:13

We have our first Guide entry in Kingston, and it's a new 'Top Pick'. The Albion, sister pub to Surbiton's Antelope and other great pubs like the Sussex Arms in Strawberry Hill, is another pub from the people behind Big Smoke Brew Co.

With 35 draft beers and ciders, along with over 40 bottles, it has one of the biggest and best draft beer selections in London and comes very highly recommended.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

Two new breweries added to our list

Posted 2016-10-16 04:01:00

Streatham Brewing Co and Pillars Brewery have both now started brewing so we've moved them from 'planned' to 'current', bringing the total number of current London breweries to 88.

Pillars Brewery started off as Four Pillars but are in the process of rebranding.

Streatham Brewing Co's first beer - Cynthia's Remedy Black IPA - can be found in the Railway Pub, Streatham.

New brewery added to list: Old Street Brewery (at Queen's Head WC1)

Posted 2016-10-13 07:47:37

We are pleased to report that brewing has restarted in the cellar under the Queen's Head, WC1, but this time under the name Old Street Brewery.

This potentially confusing name reflects where the brewers (who work at sister bar Mother Kelly's in Bethnal Green) originally homebrewed, and there is no link either with the Fountain Brewhouse at the Old Fountain near Old Street, nor is there any geographic link with the aforementioned street.

We look forward to trying the beers, the first of which is a NE coast IPA, due around the end of October.

The total number of breweries on our London list is now up to 86.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New brewpub added to list: Fountain Brewhouse

Posted 2016-09-19 00:46:29

Brewing has now fully started at the Old Fountain (Old Street) so we've added their 'Fountain Brewhouse' to our list of brewpubs. The total number of current London breweries rises once again to 85.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New London brewery: Cricklewood Brewing

Posted 2016-08-31 01:58:54

Cricklewood Brewing are now up and running so we've added them to our list of current London breweries. I don't have much additional information but their beers - including one called Holy Smoke - have been seen on sale at the Crown on Cricklewood Broadway.

This brings the current number of London breweries back up to 84. Full list here:

Two brewery deletions from Guide

Posted 2016-08-29 03:24:06

We've deleted both Bloomsbury Brewery and the Queen's Head from our list of current London breweries. The former has apparently stopped brewing following a change of management at its Perseverance Pub, and the latter has not been seen brewing for some time. Hopefully this is a temporary pause so we will add them back to our list later if brewing restarts. For the avoidance of doubt, neither pub has closed - it's just the brewing which appears to have stopped.

This reduces the number of current London breweries to 83. Full list here:

Update on Late Knights Brewery and bars

Posted 2016-08-28 07:23:24

It appears there has been a major breakdown in relations at the top of Late Knights Brewery. It's a complex and confusing story, but here are the facts as we understand them:

Late Knights had 7 pubs plus the brewery. Brewing has ceased and we have therefore deleted them from our brewery list. One of the bars, Hopsmiths in Crouch Hill, has closed, apparently permanently, so we have deleted its Guide entry.

The other six pubs have been split into two groups of three, as follows:

Each group of three is now under different ownership. Neither will carry Late Knights branding but both intend to continue to brew, though obviously only one has an actual brewery at present. We understand that a company called Erimus Brewing/Erimus Pubs and Bars now owns the first group of pubs, and that a company called Southey Brewing owns the second group, but this is yet to be confirmed.

To reflect the future brewing plans of both companies I have added two new future breweries to our list - Erimus Brewing and Southey Brewing.

I hope we have reported this correctly but of course any corrections or amendments will be welcome.

Many thanks to John Cryne at London Brewers, Des de Moor (who knows a lot more about everything than I do) and Emma Stump for excellent detective work.

More news as we get it.

New Guide entry: Italian Job at the Mercato Metropolitano

Posted 2016-08-20 04:32:53

The people behind Chiswick's Italian Job have opened their second location in London, at the new Mercato Metropolitano in Elephant and Castle. Arrive thirsty and hungry as the market has numerous excellent food options. This is the second of at least four locations planned by the Italian Job people, and I am already looking forward to the next one.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

Deletion from Guide: Three Sods brewery tap

Posted 2016-08-18 00:15:08

We were sorry to hear of the closure of the tap room at Three Sods Brewery. We understand there have been licencing issues and its future is uncertain. If and when it reopens we will put it back in the Guide, but for the foreseeable future it is closed. Good luck to Three Sods and I hope to see their tap room back open in due course.

New brewery added to list: Bianca Road Brew Co, Peckham

Posted 2016-08-07 05:00:44

Bianca Road Brew Co in Peckham have now started brewing so we've added them to our list as the 86th current brewery in London. They 'specialise in a range of West Coast American style beers' but we don't have much more information so any reports will be welcome.

New Guide entry: Charlotte's W5

Posted 2016-08-03 00:07:42

We finally have a Guide entry in Ealing. Charlotte's W5 is something a bit different: a bar/restaurant who've been working with Melissa Cole on their beer, and the results have immediately paid off. Expect a small but high quality range of keg beers, along with some very good low/no alcohol beers. We really like this place and look forward to a return visit soon.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New brewery added to list: Beerblefish Brewing Co

Posted 2016-08-03 00:03:39

Beerblefish Brewing Co are now up and running so we've added them to our list of current London breweries. They started off at UBrew in Bermondsey but now have their own 5BBL brewing kit in Edmonton, north London. Reports welcome.

New Guide entry; The Stag, NW3

Posted 2016-07-17 05:14:58

This is the second pub from the 'London Pubs' group, and like their other pub - the Mall Tavern in Notting Hill - this is a high quality pub with a serious beer offer. While there are many good choices on the draft lines, check out the bottled list for a really good range including quite a few large bottles to share.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Beer Boutique, Wandsworth

Posted 2016-07-17 04:54:53

Beer Boutique have now opened their second branch, just a mile up the road from the Putney original, in Wandsworth. Less than a minute from Wandsworth Town station, this second branch is smaller than Putney but still manages to squeeze in around 150 beers, any of which you're welcome to drink on site for an additional Â£1 charge. The beer selection is great and it's a cosy place with a bar area downstairs.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: The Prince, N22

Posted 2016-07-17 04:34:32

Not to be confused with the Prince N16 (Stoke Newington) - another new entry in the Guide earlier this year - the Prince N22 (between Wood Green and Bounds Green stations on the Piccadilly Line) provides a similarly excellent range of beers. Brought to you by the people behind Duke's Head Highgate, this is one to watch.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Chesham Arms

Posted 2016-07-17 04:05:02

Chesham Arms reopened a year ago following a long local campaign to save it from extinction. Now thriving, it has recently been recognised by the local CAMRA branch as it's Pub of the Year 2016. We finally visited this week and are delighted it's now in our Guide.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Mason and Company

Posted 2016-07-17 03:27:22

Mason and Company is now open right by the canal in Hackney Wick, just up from Crate Brewery. Making an excellent mini crawl with Howling Hops and Crate, Mason and Company is very modern and stylish, but most importantly it has an excellent list of around 70 beers including 20 drafts.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New brewery added to list: Bohem Brewery

Posted 2016-07-16 08:18:40

Based in Bowes Park, north London, Bohem Brewery are now up and running. Producing a range of Czech lagers, they describe themselves as the 'First Bohemian Brewery in London'.

We've tried their first beer - Victoria Pils, on draft at the new Prince, N22 - and thought it was rather good. On the basis of their first beer we're looking forward to more.

This brings the London total up to 83 breweries, with more in the pipeline.

New Guide entry: We Brought Beer (Tooting)

Posted 2016-06-20 12:20:57

We Brought Beer have now opened their third branch, this in a tiny unit in Tooting Market. It may be small, but they've still managed to fit in a range of around 200 bottles and cans, along with 3 drafts of the highest quality. When visiting, be sure to check out neighbouring Broadway Market, where you'll find Craft Tooting, another tiny bottle shop bar with a good range of beer.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Craft Tooting

Posted 2016-06-20 11:40:48

Not to be confused with Craft Beer Co, Craft Tooting is a new and completely independent operation which has just opened in a tiny unit in Tooting's Broadway Market. The beer range is high quality and service is friendly and efficient. When visiting, be sure to check out neighbouring Tooting Market, where you'll find a new branch of the excellent We Brought Beer.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Wimbledon Brewery Tap

Posted 2016-06-12 11:03:43

Wimbledon Brewery now open their doors every Saturday, but this is a brewery tap with something extra: a small food and drink market of the very highest quality. Situated less than 10 minutes' walk from Colliers Wood station on the Northern Line this is well worth a visit.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Beer Boutique, Putney

Posted 2016-06-12 11:02:24

Beer Boutique in East Putney has been open for a few years now, but was originally just a bottle shop. It's now a hybrid 'bottle shop bar' with on site drinking, and hence now qualifies for a Guide entry. Enjoy any of the bottles for a nominal additional charge, or one of the two draft beers in lovely surroundings. The second branch has just opened in Wandsworth and we look forward to visiting soon.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: The Bear, Camberwell

Posted 2016-06-12 11:01:10

The Fox in Dalston now has a new sister pub, The Bear in Camberwell. The beer range and ambience here is similar to that of The Fox, so high quality is guaranteed. The staff are welcoming and friendly and this old pub has been given a great new lease of life. Take a bus from Oval tube or it's walkable from Denmark Hill on the overground.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Sambrook's Brewery Tap

Posted 2016-06-12 10:53:13

In common with many London breweries, Sambrook's now has its own brewery tap, offering a range of their beers on cask, keg and bottles. About 10 minutes' walk from Clapham Junction the tap room is a relatively small but relaxed upstairs space offering views into the brewery.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New brewery: One Mile End (Tottenham)

Posted 2016-05-23 13:11:16

London's brewery total has risen to 82 with the start of brewing at the new One Mile End production brewery in Tottenham. They will continue to brew in their original brewpub in Whitechapel so this counts as an additional brewery.

They have a 12.5 BBL kit and already have their first 3 brews in the fermenters: Snakecharmer IPA, Tinker's Cuss Rye IPA, and Salvation! Pale Ale which will all be available from the end of May. Watch out for barrel aging later, plus the obligatory tap room which is also coming soon.

New Guide entry: Draft House Old Street

Posted 2016-05-22 05:21:43

The people behind the rapidly expanding Draft House chain have now opened two new bars in a matter of weeks. Following the opening of their Chancery Lane bar in April, they have now opened another new bar in The Bower building at Old Street - right next to the Old Fountain. In common with their other branches this bar has an excellent bottled list to complement a fine draft selection on both cask and keg.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New brewery: Solvay Society

Posted 2016-05-11 11:41:23

We've added a new brewery to the list. Solvay Society - previously brewing in the cellar of the Hops and Glory pub - have moved into the former Ha'penny Brewery premises in Ilford and have now done their first brew.

Look out for some big hitting Belgian styles and some excellent beer, if their initial beers from the Hops and Glory premises are anything to go by.

The London brewery total is now 81 and the full list can be found here:

New Guide entry: Pitt Cue Co (Alphabeta Brewery Tap)

Posted 2016-05-08 09:00:16

Pitt Cue Co now have their own BBQ restaurant very close to Liverpool Street station. It houses their own Alphabeta Brewery, which is tucked in behind the bar. The bar is open all day for those who just want to come in for a drink, though the food looks great and comes highly recommended by many who've known the company since they started in a food truck on the South Bank. Beer was impressive on our first visit.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Draft House Chancery Lane

Posted 2016-05-08 08:34:05

The latest addition to the Draft House chain is now open just a few minutes walk from Chancery Lane tube. It's a lovely place - ultra modern but comfortable and welcoming, with an outstanding bottled beer range. About 5 minutes' walk from Craft Beer Co Leather Lane.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Three Sods Brewery Tap

Posted 2016-05-08 08:22:05

Three Sods Brewery now open their tap room in an old basement room in Bethnal Green Working Men's Club, home of the tiny brewery (which is located in the cellar). Open evenings only from Weds to Sat, this one is a real throw back with the added bonus of good beer. Close to Kings Arms, Mother Kelly's and Redchurch Brewery Tap this is therefore in very good crawl territory.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New London breweries: Alphabeta Brewery and Signal Lager

Posted 2016-04-17 08:47:40

We have added two new London breweries to our brewery list this week.

Firstly, Alphabeta Brewery, based at their own Pitt Cue Co restaurant in Devonshire Square, EC2M (near Liverpool Street and Spitalfields Market). Their initial beers sound quite interesting: they include a smoked porter and a red rye. It is possible to visit Pitt Cue Co just for drinks, but if you're planning to eat booking is recommended. Note that they are closed at weekends so it's only open Monday to Friday only (and they are closed on bank holidays too).

Secondly, Signal Lager, who are now brewing on their own 10BBL kit in Croydon, complete with their own canning line.

Beer Guide London apps available now

New Guide entry: The Taproom, SE18

Posted 2016-04-10 10:54:06

We finally made the journey out to Woolwich Arsenal for an evening at Hop Stuff Brewery's excellent tap room, which opened in autumn 2015. We really like this place and are delighted it's now in the Guide. Just a few minutes from Woolwich Arsenal station, it is well worth a special journey.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: The Mall Tavern, W8

Posted 2016-04-10 10:43:19

Our new Guide entry The Mall Tavern is a corner pub near Notting Hill Gate offering a beer range far superior to anything else in the immediate vicinty. It is therefore a most welcome addition to our Guide's West London section, which is slowly but surely expanding all the time.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: The Mitre, Richmond

Posted 2016-03-28 09:19:09

This place is excellent: the new, rather lovingly restored and fully upgraded Mitre, in Richmond out towards North Sheen station. There are some keg beers and a decent selection of cans, but come here for the range of well kept cask beers - 10 in total, plus 4 additional handpumps for cider. Very welcoming and a great addition for the local community in this part of SW London.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: The Scottish Stores, King's Cross

Posted 2016-03-28 09:15:39

There's now a rather good new beer pub in King's Cross: The Scottish Stores, at the bottom of Caledonian Road. Offering a good range of cask, keg and bottled beers this pub has been rescued from a dodgy past and is immediately one of the best options for good beer in this area of London.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Waterloo Tap, SE1

Posted 2016-03-28 09:12:11

It's been coming for a long time, but the great news is that Waterloo Tap is finally open, under the arches at Sutton Walk, SE1. The bar is located between Waterloo Station and the Royal Festival Hall and is of the usual high standard you'd expect from the people behind the Euston Tap, Resting Hare, Pelt Trader and Holborn Whippet.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

Deletion from Guide: Charles Dickens, SE1

Posted 2016-03-28 09:08:57

Long time ale house Charles Dickens, Union Street SE1 has now closed. However, we understand that the people behind the King's Arms, SE1 have taken it over and are planning to re-open it this summer. Watch this space for updates.

Changes to London brewery list

Posted 2016-03-07 13:14:30

Florence Brewery in Herne Hill has stopped brewing so we have deleted them from our list. We understand that there are plans to recruit a new brewer and re-start, so we will watch this space and add them back to our list later should this happen.

Fountain Brewhouse, based at the Old Fountain, EC1, were on our list of current breweries as their own beers had been seen on sale - and tasted by our sources. It turns out, however, that they do not yet have a brewing licence so we've removed them from our list until this is resolved.

Following these changes the number of current London breweries has once again reduced to 78.

New Guide entry: Watson's General Telegraph, SE22

Posted 2016-02-29 12:19:52

Almost exactly a mile south of Hop Burns and Black you'll find a smart new pub callled Watson's General Telegraph. Big on personality, outdoor gardens and vinyl, we also quite like its beer range, which we think is well worth checking out.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New London brewery: Earth Ale Brewery, Balham

Posted 2016-02-25 00:24:14

We've added a new brewery in Balham to our list, bringing the London total to 80. Earth Ales focus on eco-friendly beers and foraging for ingredients. In this case EARTH = 'Eco-friendly, Artisanal, Rural, Terroir & Health'. Check out their website, here:

New Guide entry: The King & Co, SW4

The King & Co is an excellent new freehouse at the bottom of Clapham Park Road near the junction with Acre Lane. We really like this place and are delighted to put it straight into the Guide.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: The Prince, Stoke Newington

Posted 2016-02-14 11:56:32

The Prince is an excellent new freehouse in Stoke Newington, not far from Jolly Butchers. We were very impressed on our first visit so it's now in the Guide.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Weird Beard Tap Room

Posted 2016-02-14 11:53:49

Weird Beard's tap room at the brewery in Hanwell is now opening on a regular basis and it's such a great place to visit we've added it to our Guide. Check their website and Twitter for details on the next opening.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

London brewery updates

Posted 2016-02-10 12:35:22

We've added a new production brewery to our list - Husk Brewing, who have now started brewing in their own 2.5 barrel brewery in West Silvertown/Victoria Dock.

We've also added two new breweries to the list of Planned breweries:

Forest Road Brewing, who have brewed their first beer already at Brouwerij Van Eecke in Watou, Belgium pending completion of their own place in East London.

Streatham Brewing Co, who are hoping to start brewing in March in a space behind the Railway, SW16.

The full list of 79 current breweries - plus the planned breweries - can be found here:

Deletion from brewery list: The Sultan

Brewing has stopped at the Sultan pub in South Wimbledon. Given that they haven't brewed in many months and plans for future brewing are uncertain we've deleted them from our brewery list.

The year end total is therefore 78 - one fewer than the number with which we started 2015. However we did see around 10 new breweries this year - the reduction in the total is due to some reclassification (i.e. of contract brewers, geography, techno breweries, etc). Current list here:

Deletion from brewery list: Earl's Brewery

Posted 2015-12-28 07:31:30

Brewing at Earl's Brewery at the Earl of Essex, N1 stopped earlier this year and it was thought that this would be a temporary halt only. Several months later and the pub has now confirmed that there are no immediate plans to start brewing again. For this reason we have deleted Earl's Brewery from our London brewery list, but we look forward to adding them on again should they restart in the future.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New London brewery: Reunion Ales, West London

Posted 2015-12-28 02:03:02

It's been a while since we added a new London brewery to our list, so it is very welcome news that Reunion Ales have now started brewing near Hanworth Park, West London. Their addition to the list brings our London brewery total to 80. The full list can be found here:

On 25 January 2016 at 7pm join resident award winning beer expert Matt Curtis and the team at Duke's Head Highgate for an evening of beer, whisky and a four course menu provided by Scottish street food legends Deeney's - including the obligatory haggis (vegetarian options are of course available). All this served up alongside a tutored tasting where Matt will explain his pairing choices in his own energetic style.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: BrewDog Clerkenwell

Posted 2015-12-15 14:28:27

BrewDog's 7th London venue - or the 8th if you include BottleDog - is now open in Clerkenwell, very close to Dovetail and 5 mins walk from Craft Leather Lane.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Beer Rebellion Sydenham

Posted 2015-11-29 08:40:48

The third 'Beer Rebellion' but now one of 5 Late Knights bars in London, this is officially still a temporary pop up but one which is likely to become permanent.

Not the first Late Knights bar to occupy the site of a former bookies, this is a quirky space which will get more lived in as time goes on, but which works well already. Expect friendly staff and a good selection of beers.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: The Hopsmiths

Posted 2015-11-29 08:24:31

South London brewery Late Knights have expanded their empire of quirky and atmospheric pubs to north London with the opening of The Hopsmiths in Crouch Hill.

This is one of their best and its proximity to Finsbury Park makes it pretty easy to get to for everyone. As well as the excellent range of Late Knights and guest beers check out the food, which is good quality and very good value.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: The Resting Hare

Posted 2015-11-29 08:05:07

The latest London bar from the people behind the Euston Tap (and Pelt Trader & Holborn Whippet) is now open. It's just round the corner from the Euston Tap and while it doesn't have as many beers you'll always find something good on draft.

Situated in a lovely building which is actually part of a hotel, you'll find the entrance on Woburn Walk, despite the official address of Upper Woburn Place.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Notting Hill Tap (Moncada Brewery)

Posted 2015-11-22 12:15:57

Moncada's tap room - the Notting Hill Tap - is now open, and rather good it is too. As well as being a place high on ambience, the quality of the beers makes this one well worth the trek. Ease the pain of the journey by taking our advice and using the 52 bus from Notting Hill Gate. You'll thank us for it.

As ever with brewery taps, check the opening times carefully before setting out.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Camden's Daughter

Posted 2015-11-16 12:05:29

Camden Brewery have opened another bar near the brewery. Right on busy Kentish Town Road not far from Kentish Town station, Camden's Daughter is rather good. Serving some great guest beers as well as a good range from Camden, we enjoyed our first visit and will definitely be back.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Craft Beer Co, St Mary Axe

Posted 2015-11-12 12:06:08

The latest offering from Craft Beer Co is this excellent City pub very close to the famous Gherkin. Offering the usual high quality beer range, the interior has been fitted out in immaculate fashion with many stunning features - just check out the amazing ceiling.

Immediately installed as a Guide 'Top Pick', we think you'll like this one - but be sure to visit during the week as it's closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: BrewDog Soho

Posted 2015-11-09 12:14:11

BrewDog have been very busy these last few weeks. Hot on the heels (paws?) of Dog Eat Dog in Angel comes their 6th London venue in Soho.

Being close to Oxford Circus this is one of the most central good beer venues in London and is sure to do well.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Bullfinch Brewery Tap

Posted 2015-11-01 11:54:00

This excellent new tap room in Herne Hill is now open. Those who remember Bullfinch's beers when they shared space with Anspach & Hobday will not be surprised to hear that this place is great. Brewing on site has just started so expect more Bullfinch beers on the bar in coming weeks alongside a great line up of of guests.

Opening hours are changing week by week as the brewery gets into full swing so check carefully before setting out (the Bullfinch Twitter account posts the hours each week).

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: We Brought Beer (Clapham Junction)

Posted 2015-10-28 13:06:19

The second branch of the superb We Brought Beer is now open in Clapham Junction on St John's Hill, not far from established Guide entry Powder Keg Diplomacy. Similar to the Balham branch, this one is bigger and even better, with around 450 beers available on a great list.

Check out the upstairs tasting room and the garden out the back, which make this one signifcantly more spacious than the Balham original.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Eebria Tap Room, Bermondsey

Posted 2015-10-21 01:12:58

Nestling under the arches on Almond Road just down from Partizan is the new Eebria Tap Room - a small but smart space opened by the online beer retailers to sell draft and bottled beers every Saturday.

The selection is very high quality, showcasing some of the UK's best breweries, and you are sure to find something of interest. As Almond Road is now open at the bottom end you can also take a handy short cut to Fourpure, this route going under the railway arches twice but overall taking a shorter route.

A welcome addition to the Bermondsey beer scene, a visit to Eebria Tap Room is highly recommended.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Mondo Tap House, Battersea SW8

Posted 2015-10-20 00:43:13

Mondo Brewing Company's smart new tap room is now open - initially Thursday and Friday evenings from 5pm, all day from 12 noon on Saturday and 12 - 6 on Sundays.

We really like this place: the tap room offers excellent views of the brewery along with a great selection of (the rather good) Mondo beer. A visit is highly recommended.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Brixton Brewery Tap, SW9

Posted 2015-10-19 11:59:26

Brixton Brewery Tap is now open every Saturday, so we can put it in the Guide at last! A visit to the tap room can easily be combined with some beers at nearby Craft Beer Co and a huge range of food at Brixton Market and the new-ish Pop Brixton - where incidentally you can sometimes find Brixton Brewery beers on cask.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: BrewDog Dog Eat Dog, Angel

Posted 2015-10-19 11:40:57

BrewDog's 5th London venue is now open on Essex Road, Angel N1. It's different from the other BrewDog bars in that it's definitely first and foremost a restaurant - you can't just call in for a beer without ordering some food.

But the food is good - if you like gourmet hot dogs - and the sweet potato fries are delicious. The beer list extends to 37 including 12 drafts and is the usual very high quality you'd expect from BrewDog.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

Croydon Craft Beer Festival – 16/17 October 2015

Posted 2015-10-12 08:40:04

Next weekend Braithwaite Hall in central Croydon will hold the first Croydon Craft Beer Festival, from 5pm - 10pm on Fri 16 October and 12 noon - 10pm on Sat 17 October.

Beers from more than 20 London breweries will be available, and you can find more info including entrance fee and tickets here:

New Guide entry: Other Room, Tower Bridge Road, SE1

Posted 2015-10-12 05:58:59

Other Room bar is down the bottom end of Tower Bridge Road, near the Bricklayers' Arms roundabout. Officially opening this Saturday, 17 October, it is currently in a 'soft' opening period, but on our visit last week we found plenty of excellent beer. Fourpure is well represented and check out the bottled fridge for more great choices at very competitive prices.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: The Globe, Marylebone

Posted 2015-10-12 05:54:48

Not to be confused with the nearby, larger Globe (near Baker Street), this Globe serves a good range of beers including many from London breweries such as Beavertown, Camden Mondo and Hammerton. Other excellent breweries such as Cloudwater were also represented on our first visit.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

Deletion from Guide: Lazy Fox, Fulham (pub closed)

Posted 2015-08-15 07:29:10

We are sorry to report the deletion from the Guide of the Lazy Fox in Fulham. This is due to its sudden closure. We are not clear on the reasons for the closure but have been able to confirm that it is definitely a permanent closure.

This is a sad loss as the pub was doing some great beers and seemed to be doing very well.

New Edition of London's Best Beer, Pubs & Bars

Posted 2015-07-29 10:56:08

The 2nd edition of Des de Moor’s essential guide to beer in London is now available.

I know what it's like traipsing round London checking out pubs: sometimes highly rewarding when you find a gem, while at other times you wonder why you've bothered. Des visits way more pubs than I do, and for that reason alone deserves a medal, especially as this is the 2nd, fully updated edition of his guide to London's Best Beer Pubs and Bars.

One line in this excellent book says it all: Des explains that in the 1st edition he had to figure out what he could include to make the 'places to drink' section big enough; this time his biggest challenge was what to leave out. Only 100 of the pubs and bars listed in the 2011 edition survived the cut this time - and of the 152 that didn't make it, only 12 have closed. This is a remarkable statistic reflecting just how far London's beer scene has come in recent years.

Just as remarkable is the startling growth in the number of breweries. The 2011 guide listed just 14, while this new edition lists 70 - a number which has continued to grow post publication.

The main section of the book is the incredibly well researched section showcasing the best places to drink, and there is another listing all of London's breweries. In this edition you'll also find interviews with a number of London drinkers, which adds additional interest, as well as sections on London's brewing history and beer styles. That the latter now includes a new category for London - 'saisons' - tells you all you need to know.

Des once again includes his personal selection of London's top 25 places to drink. Always a risky business, this list is sure to generate lively debate and discussion about what's in and what's not (what, no Euston Tap in the top 25?!).

The book is very highly ecommended and should be considered an essential companion for any London drinker. Buy your copy from CAMRA, here:

Summer party at the Beer Hive, Brixton: Sat 8 Aug, 12 - 8

Posted 2015-07-27 11:29:35

To celebrate the start of London Beer City, the Beer Hive - home of Clarkshaws and London Beer Lab - is holding a summer party on Saturday 8 August from 12 noon to 8pm. Beer and food are available from noon, with live jazz in the evening from Blue - a Camberwell based jazz trio.

London Beer Lab will be launching their new Simcoe and Citra Black IPA and Clarkshaws will have their Cowgirl APA amongst other beers. Mangia Mangia - Italian supper club - will be providing the food.

The brewery is 3 minutes' walk from Loughborough Junction station or a slightly longer walk from Brixton.Further details are available here:

New Guide entry: Ninth Ward, Clerkenwell

Posted 2015-07-21 03:32:22

This new bar just north of the junction of Farringdon Road and Clerkenwell Road claims a New Orleans theme, but - leaving that to one side for a moment - you'll want to come here for the beer: a really excellent list packed with beers from the best of the UK's breweries, plus the likes of Mikeller, Founders, Evil Twin and To-Ol.

In common with many bars in this area, don't turn up on a Saturday or Sunday expecting to find it open.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: London Beer House, just off Haymarket

Posted 2015-07-21 03:31:23

London's West End needs more good beer, so this new opening is very welcome. Just off Haymarket and more or less half way between Piccadilly Circus and Charing Cross you'll find this tiny bar just round the corner from Her Majesty's Theatre. We were impressed with the beer range on our first visit and suspect you might also enjoy.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Two Bit Bar now open under BrewDog Shoreditch

Posted 2015-07-21 02:21:51

BrewDog's new Two Bit Bar is now open under BrewDog Shoreditch. It's got an excellent selection of American beers on draft and in bottle. If you like dark, hidden and atmospheric this one will be right up your street. Open from 6pm Tues to Sun.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

London Craft Beer Festival: Oval Space, 13 - 16 August

Posted 2015-07-03 13:52:47

London Craft Beer Festival returns for a third year at Oval Space, near Bethnal Green, from Thurs 13 August to Sun 16th August. Now one of the unmissable events in the London beer calendar, in our view this is the stand out event during London Beer City (London beer week).

This year LCBF is welcoming a stellar line up of over 30 top brewers from all over the world, including top London breweries Weird Beard, The Kernel, Beavertown, Howling Hops, Redemption Brewing, Camden and Pressure Drop. From the rest of the UK breweries include Magic Rock, Thornbridge, Burning Sky, Siren, Buxton Brewery and Wild Beer.

International breweries represented include Edge Brewing from Barcelona, Omnipollo from Stockholm and Lervig from Norway, while Founders Brewing Co joins from the US.

Alongside the beers will be some great food from some of London’s best known street-food vendors. LCBF’s famous smoked Onglet steak and chips will be back, along with pulled, smoked and roasted Ginger Pig meats from celebrated pop-up Pull & Punch at The Pickle Factory. Charcuterie boards from The Borough Ham & Cheese Co will also be available, as will the ever excellent Big Apple Hot Dogs. Vegetarian options will be on offer from the organic Plump Café.

If you like music with your beer then this is the place for you: Ghostpoet will return for his second year, along with DJ sets from Will Kennard of Chase & Status, Spectrasoul, DJ Yoda, Public Service Broadcasting, Cuban Brothers and Artful Dodger.

Tickets include unlimited small pours of any beer you like and are now available, here:

Food meets Beer at Borough Market: 24 - 26 July

Posted 2015-06-23 12:24:54

This new food and drink festival at Borough Market sounds great. Here's more info:

Taking place from 24th to 26th July, Food meets Beer matches dishes from 16 Borough Market traders to beers from 16 breweries around the world. Live demonstrations, cooking master classes and tutorials will offer inspiration for delicious food pairings using seasonal ingredients and unique, speciality products available at the market.

Pairings will include Er Boqueron beer, brewed with sea water from the Mediterranean, matched with products from Brindisa. Partizan beers will be matched with rich and flavoursome Gujarati cuisine, whilst the fine cheeses and cured meats from Une Normande a Londres will be paired with beers from Brasserie d’Achouffe. Desserts will be twinned with eclectic brews by Wild Beer Co., demonstrating the unexpected delight of beer and dessert combinations.

Ticket prices include a guide to matching at home and a half pint of Budvar Tankové Pivo, an unpasteurised beer fresh from the cellars of the brewery in the Czech Republic.

Tickets, including early bird discounts until 5 July, are available here: www.foodmeetsbeer.eventbrite.co.uk but at Beer Guide London we have (HAD - COMPETITION NOW CLOSED) two weekend passes for you to win. Just tweet your answer to the simple question below to @beerguidelondon using the hashtag #foodmeetsbeer and mentioning @boroughmarket in the tweet for your chance to win. First correct answer in the right format wins both tickets!

Competition question: Which well known creature is commonly used to represent Brasserie d'Achouffe?

New brewery added to list: Wimbledon Brewery

Posted 2015-06-14 10:07:15

Wimbledon Brewery are doing their first brew tomorrow, Mon 15 June, so we've added them to our list. Reviving the historic old name of Wimbledon Brewery, the brewing is headed up by brewing legend Derek Prentice, so this is one to watch and we await their first beers with interest.

The London brewery total is now 76, comprising 54 production breweries and 22 brewpubs. Full list here:

New Guide entry: Howling Hops Tap Room

Posted 2015-06-14 09:00:04

Howling Hops Brewery has moved out of the cellar of the Cock Tavern in Hackney and moved to signficantly larger premises in Hackney Wick, immediately making Queen's Yard one of the beeriest addresses in London. Based almost next door to Crate Brewery, this is a huge venue with loads of seating. The beer is served 'tank fresh' from 10 tanks in what they bill as the UK's first dedicated 'tank bar'. There are good food options too.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

Another good pub in West London: The Grosvenor, Hanwell

Posted 2015-06-14 08:44:26

We've given a new Guide entry to another good pub in West London, an area finally getting a few pubs serving good beer. Out in the suburbs and in an unlikely location to find a good beer bar, The Grosvenor is an historic old local pub very close to Weird Beard Brewing Co. So it's great to see the pub nearly always serving beers from its local brewery, such as the special Japanese IPA featured in our photo.

You can get to the pub by taking the Piccadilly Line to Boston Manor and then getting a bus north - or you could walk it in about 15 minutes.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Howling Hops brewery and tap room

Posted 2015-05-31 06:36:04

Thanks to Steve Webb for sending this photo of the new Howling Hops brewery, which is due to open within the next week.

The new brewery is located in Queen's Yard, Hackney Wick, very close to Crate Brewery. We will confirm tap room opening hours when we get more information.

The Beer Hive: London's first co-operative brewery

Posted 2015-05-10 05:29:02

Clarkshaws Brewery and London Beer Lab have launched The Beer Hive, London’s first co-operative brewery. They expect more breweries to join the co-op in the next few months, creating a brewing community and enabling tap room visitors to try a wide range of beers and beer styles.

Ian Clark, Director of Clarkshaws Brewery, said:

“The Beer Hive concept was conceived to help small independent breweries create more and better beers. By acting as a cooperative, we can help each other through sharing resources and reducing waste. Our aim is to build a community of small breweries on one site, working together to pool expertise.”

The tap room at the Beer Hive is open every Saturday from 12 noon to 6pm at Arch 283 Belinda Road, off Coldharbour Lane, Loughborough Junction, SW9 7DT. The nearest station is Loughborough Junction but it's also a 15 minute walk from Brixton.

New Guide entry: Four Thieves, Clapham SW11

Posted 2015-04-26 09:06:09

Brewing at this new brewpub near Clapham Junction - and not far from BrewDog CJ - is now in full swing, and the early beers are quite impressive. We particularly enjoyed the IPA on our recent visit, and look forward to trying more of the beers next time.

Sister pub to the People's Park Tavern (Victoria Park) and The Aeronaut (Acton) this Laine Brewing Co venue is typically eclectic and full of character. If you prefer peace and quiet then avoid on weekend evenings as it gets extremely busy.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Bean and Hop, Earlsfield SW18

Posted 2015-04-26 08:59:41

This coffee shop/deli near Earlsfield station - and on the way to By the Horns Brewery - now offers a very good range of beer. The two drafts were from local breweries Rocky Head and By the Horns on our first visit, and the 50 or so bottles were generally very high quality and also mainly from local breweries.

Being more coffee shop than beer bar it is not generally open in the evenings, but it does stay open until 10pm on Friday and Saturday, when the menu expands to offer pizza with your beer.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Startisans, Covent Garden

Posted 2015-04-26 08:47:57

This is an indoor market which does food by day, but on Friday evenings from 5 - 9 it does beer. Beers are from start up breweries, with a local focus, and the set up offers the chance to meet brewers and/or brewery staff, who are keen to talk about their products. Tasters were offered by all the breweries present, which included Hop Stuff, Ink Spot and Canopy on our first visit. With a relaxed but vibrant atmosphere a visit is highly recommended.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: The Fourteenth Colonie, Clerkenwell

Posted 2015-04-26 08:42:52

This new Clerkenwell bar/restaurant is smart, modern and friendly, and offers an excellent range of beers from some of the top breweries in both the US and the UK.

It's a sister venue to one in Brooklyn, New York, and Brooklyn Brewery features heavily on the beer list. The food looks good too and we'll return soon to try it.

It's near many other good beer places including Jerusalem Tavern and Craft Leather Lane, so it's in a good location for a crawl.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New brewery added to list: Mondo Brewing Co, Battersea

Posted 2015-04-13 14:23:05

Mondo Brewing Co in Battersea have now starting brewing, so I've added them to our brewery list. More information on the brewery and its beers will follow in due course. The excellent photo below is courtesy of Will Hawkes of Craft Beer London (@craftbeerlondon) and organiser of London Beer City (@londonbeercity). Many thanks to Will for allowing use of this great photo of the brewery.

This brings the London brewery total to 81 and our full current list can be found here:

New Guide entry: White Hart Brew Pub, Whitechapel E1

Posted 2015-04-13 12:01:09

The White Hart has had its own brewery downstairs for a while now, but initially the beers weren't anything to write home about.

Then later on in 2014 they hired a new brewer and rebranded the brewery as One Mile End, referencing the address of the pub. Suddenly, I started to hear good things about the beer, and having now revisited the pub and tried some of the new beers I am pleased to report that the beers are indeed vastly improved.

The pub serves a good range of their own plus many quality guest beers, and with excellent food and a good atmosphere a visit comes highly recommended.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: We Brought Beer, Balham SW12

Posted 2015-04-13 11:43:54

We Brought Beer is a new bottle shop which also offers on site tastings and growler fills. The selection here is seriously impressive and stretches to around 350 beers. The photo below gives an idea of the very high quality of the range, which includes many rare and hard to find beers from around the world as well as an excellent selection of beer from London and other UK breweries.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: The Arbitrager, EC2 (City)

Posted 2015-04-12 12:03:41

The Arbitrager is a new City bar offering a high quality selection of 8 London beers on keg. It's just got one (rather slender) room but it has quite a cosy feel and friendly and welcoming staff. In common with most pubs and bars in this area it's only open Monday to Friday.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Beer Shop London, Nunhead SE15

Posted 2015-04-12 11:50:10

Beer Shop London is a micropub in Nunhead, very close to the famous cemetery. In common with many other micropubs they offer (very well kept) cask ale by gravity dispense, but perhaps unusually amongst micropubs they also offer an excellent range of around 60 bottled beers.

This pub links well with other Guide entries the Ivy House (at the other side of the cemetery) and Hop Burns & Black and the Flying Pig, both on the way to East Dulwich. A visit is highly recommended.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: The Hop Locker, South Bank Centre Market, SE1

Posted 2015-04-12 11:36:50

The Hop Locker is a brand new beer bar and bottle shop at the South Bank Centre Market, directly behind the Royal Festival Hall. Boss man Joel really knows his beer, so it's no surprise that the selection of beers on offer is excellent.

They've started with 6 drafts and a well chosen selection of bottles. Everything here is from good breweries so even though the list isn't yet massive, you'll have problems prioritising.

The Market is only open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (plus bank holidays) but a visit for some of the great food from other stalls - plus a visit to the Hop Locker - is highly recommended.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Smokehouse W4

Posted 2015-04-12 11:27:46

The people behind Smokehouse and Pig and Butcher - two Guide entries in Islington - have now opened a brand new Smokehouse in Chiswick. A little off the beaten track, this place is nevertheless well worth a visit. It's quite 'foody' and you really should plan to eat here as the food is excellent.

Unfortunately the draft beer list is not as good as the Islington Smokehouse but its good quality bottled alone list warrants a Guide entry. It's worth considering combining a visit here with a stop at the Italian Job in nearby Devonshire Road, W4 as it's easy enough to walk from one to the other.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Draft House, Hammersmith

Posted 2015-04-12 11:17:48

The Draft House chain has now expanded west, with this new location in Hammersmith. Offering the usual good quality line up of keg, cask and bottled beers this one is airy and spacious, with friendly and welcoming staff. They offer all drafts in third pint pours and there were many impressive choices available when we visited.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New brewery added to list: Long Arm Brewing Co

Posted 2015-03-31 10:05:02

Ealing Park Tavern's new brewery has now done its first brew, so we have added them to our list of current brewpubs. The brewery is called Long Arm Brewing Co. The first beer is called Birdie Flipper and is a red ale at 4.5% ABV. Its currently on the bar.

Antic were previously planning to open their own brewery - a plan about which I've heard nothing of late - so I wonder if this development represents a change of plan or just an intriguing new departure?

New extended opening hours at Bottle Shop, SE1

Posted 2015-03-22 05:51:38

In addition to its regular Saturday opening, Bottle Shop on Druid St, SE1 will now be open from 12 - 6 on Sundays from Sunday 29 March 2015.

This is another welcome expansion of opening hours in Bermondsey following Anspach and Hobday's similar move: they now open on Friday evenings, as well as Saturdays and Sundays.

I wonder how long it will be until other local venues follow suit?

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New brewery added to list: Plato Brewery

Posted 2015-03-22 05:41:45

Plato Brewery are a very tiny commercial brewery in Hackney, currently selling their beers at Netil Market, Westgate St, E8.

New brewery added to list: Sultan Brewery, SW19

Posted 2015-03-12 05:23:06

London's only Hop Back Brewery pub - the Sultan in South Wimbledon - now has its own on site brewery. Called The Sultan Brewery, their first trial brew was on the bar earlier this week. Thanks to @beerjustice Steve Williams for the photo.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

Deletion from brewery list: London Fields Brewery

Posted 2015-03-08 12:13:10

According to a piece in the London Evening Standard on 6 March 2015, all London Fields Brewery beers are now being brewed outside London - in Lincolnshire and Sussex. All brewing in Hackney has apparently ceased and the brewing staff made redundant:

This confirms information given to the Guide a few weeks ago which suggested that London Fields beers were being brewed at Bedlam Brewery in Sussex, though my attempts to verify that Bedlam is indeed the Sussex brewery being used by London Fields have so far been unsuccessful.

This deletion reduces the number of London breweries on our list to 77, though several new ones are very close to starting:

New Guide entry: U Brew, Bermondsey SE16

Posted 2015-02-27 00:53:26

There's now another Bermondsey railway arch (double arch, to be precise) where you can find great beer - this time just round the other side of the railway from Brew by Numbers, and close to Bottle Shop on Druid Street.

U Brew is an open brewery - the first in London - where members can brew their own beer. The U Brew team will also be brewing in their own right, and their beers will be available at the brewery tap. The tap may also feature some of the best beers brewed by members, as well as guest beers from other breweries.

Opening times have yet to settle but keep an eye on our new Guide entry for regular updates.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: The Italian Job, Chiswick W4

Posted 2015-02-18 11:55:38

The first bar in the UK dedicated to showcasing Italian beer is now open in Chiswick, W4. The excellent Italian brewery Birrificio Del Ducato are behind this cosy new venue, but they offer a range of beers from many of Italy's best breweries, not just their own. Given the strength of Italian brewing right now, this is a great venue to have in London and I'd highly recommend a visit soon.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Shaftesbury Tavern, N19

Posted 2015-01-14 12:09:56

The people behind Acton's Dragonfly Brewery have recently taken over the Shaftesbury Tavern, N19 (between Archway and Crouch Hill stations). This place is excellent - a proper pub serving some great beer including the promising Dragonfly beers along with many guests.

The photo below gives an idea of the interior - just check out that back room! - of this highly recommended pub.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: The Understudy at the National Theatre

Posted 2015-01-14 11:48:25

Who knew there was a bar serving some excellent beers at the National Theatre? Well there is, and its called the Understudy. We really liked this place and if the beer line up on our first visit is anything to go by, we will return time and again.

A seriously good list of keg and bottled beers should have more than enough of interest for most. This one is highly recommended for a visit next time you're on the South Bank.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New brewpub added to list: The Bohemia, N12

Posted 2015-01-14 11:43:26

London Brewing Company's second brewpub, The Bohemia, N12 has now started brewing. The plan is for their first pub - Highgate's Bull - to focus on cask beer and for the Bohemia to focus on keg. Both ranges will be served at either pub and for now the two separate breweries share the same brewer.

Our photo shows the area reserved for the brewery prior to the installation of the kit.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Temple Brew House, WC2

Posted 2015-01-14 11:43:04

Temple Brew House is the most central of London's many new breweries. This new brewpub, located on Essex Street (just up the street from the Edgar Wallace) opened late in 2014 and their first brew was in early December.

The brewery is called Essex Street Brewing Co and the plan is to have up to 6 of their beers on the handpumps in the bar, along with a good range of guest beers on the keg lines and in bottles.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New brewpub added to list: Four Thieves, Battersea

Posted 2015-01-03 07:04:35

The latest brewpub from Laine Brewing started brewing on 31st December 2014. Four Thieves in Battersea joins the other Laine's London venues, People's Park Tavern, Hackney (Victoria Park) and The Aeronaut, Acton.

The first Battersea brewed beer is a light pale at 3.5% ABV. Reports will be welcome once its ready.

New Guide entry: Hop Burns & Black, East Dulwich

Posted 2014-12-27 04:46:49

This is a very stylish new bottle shop & tasting room. While the focus is very much on off sales, the tiny seating area by the windows provides a good opportunity to buy a beer from the shelves or fridges and enjoy it on site.

Particularly strong on London brewed beers, the shop is located just 50 yards from the Flying Pig and a short bus ride or walk from the Ivy House and comes very highly recommended.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New brewery added to list: Still and Star Brew Pub, Aldgate, E1

Posted 2014-12-16 09:49:01

Brewing appears to have started at another London pub, the Still and Star, Aldgate E1. We have yet to try their beers so reports are welcome. Thanks to John Gray and @tandleman for up to date info on this one:

Brewery page update: Clouded Minds return to London

Posted 2014-11-27 11:13:17

Clouded Minds started off as a north London brewery, but left for Derbyshire a few months ago. They are now back, brewing at Gipsy Hill Brewing Co in south London on a temporary basis until their new premises - this time in Oxfordshire - are ready. For now, they meet our definition of a London brewery so we have added them back onto our list.

The London brewery total now stands at 75 and you can find the full list here:

New Guide entry: Magpie and Crown, Brentford

Posted 2014-11-27 11:08:31

This Guide entry is long overdue (I just hadn't managed to get to Brentford for ages) as the Magpie and Crown has been a good pub for quite some time. This comfortable, traditional freehouse offers an excellent range of cask and keg beers alongside a growing list of around 50 bottles, with many very good choices - and decent pub food too.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Express Tavern, Kew Bridge

Posted 2014-11-27 09:58:34

This is a very welcome new addition to the Guide: the latest pub from the people behind the wonderful Sussex Arms in Strawberry Hill and the equally good Antelope in Surbiton. While the offer is similar to both, the pub has a lovely, very homely and comfortable feel and comes very highly recommended.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Wild Card Brewery Tap, E17

Posted 2014-11-19 08:02:49

Wild Card Brewery Tap in Walthamstow, E17 is our latest new Guide entry. Located about 10 minutes' walk from Walthamstow Central station, this compact brewery manages to squeeze a characterful bar area into a small amount of space, creating a good space for a weekend only brewery tap.

Visit for some of Wild Card's own cask beers plus a range of guest bottles.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New London brewery: Canopy Beer Co, Herne Hill

Posted 2014-11-18 01:26:25

Canopy Beer Co - a new 4BBL microbrewery in Herne Hill - has been added to our list, bringing the current London total to 74:

New Guide entry: The Wanstead Tap, E7

Posted 2014-11-17 12:26:19

This is yet another new Guide entry in a railway arch, but this time it's a bottle shop/cafe rather than a brewery.

Located about 10 minutes' walk from either Forest Gate or Wanstead Park stations, this little gem is well worth seeking out. Take your pick from around 100 bottles and you can choose to either drink in or take them home. Prices are highly competitive and the selection is excellent.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Orbit Beers Tap Room

Posted 2014-11-17 12:19:24

New south London brewery Orbit Beers have an excellent tap room which is now open every Saturday, 11am to 5pm. Its another brewery in a railway arch, but this one is in Kennington - a little under 10 minutes' walk from Kennington station on the Northern Line.

Their initial (largely) 'German style' beers are very good indeed and a visit to the tap room comes highly recommended.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

Other interesting brewery news concerns Solvay Society and Hops and Glory. Solvay Society were previously brewing at the Warrant Officer pub, E17, but have now moved in below Hops and Glory, N1. The plan is for both breweries to continue in their own right, but to share one brew kit.

We understand that it will be a few weeks before the relocated Solvay Society brewing equipment is ready, so don't expect any beers until early in 2015.

New Guide entry: Southwark Brewing Co Tap Room

Posted 2014-10-22 11:43:29

Bermondsey's 7th brewery is now up and running. Southwark Brewing Co are on Druid Street near Anspach & Hobday/Bullfinch and their tap room is open every Saturday from 11am to 5pm.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New brewery: Left Bank Brewery, E17

Posted 2014-10-16 12:39:30

The London brewery total has reached 75 with the addition of Left Bank Brewery, who are now brewing commercially in Walthamstow, E17.

They are brewing just 50 - 70 litre batches once a week with most of the beer being bottled. You can buy the beer at the brewery or at the Hornbeam Cafe, 458 Hoe Street, Walthamstow. They also sell at the Blackhorse Market on the first Saturday of each month. There will be a pop-up night at the Blackhorse Workshop on Friday 24th October when the beer will be for sale.

New Guide entry: Hop and Berry, N1

Posted 2014-10-16 12:34:08

The old Barnsbury pub on Liverpool Road, N1 - approximately half way between Angel and Highbury and Islington - has now reopened as the Hop and Berry.

Its focus is London beers - in fact their USP is that they only serve beers from London breweries. The beer board gives information on the miles each beer has travelled to get to the pub, which is a novel feature.

All in all this pub comes very highly recommended, especially for anyone interested in trying beers from some of London's top breweries.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Gipsy Hill Brewery Tap

Posted 2014-10-16 12:30:23

Gipsy Hill Brewing Co are now opening their brewery tap on the 1st and 4th Saturdays of each month. Just across the yard from London Beer Factory, and 5 minutes from the excellent Beer Rebellion, this makes Gipsy Hill a rather good beer destination when all three venues are open.

Their beers (all below 4.5% ABV) show a lot of promise.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: London Beer Factory, Gipsy Hill

Posted 2014-09-13 17:46:29

Gipsy Hill now has two breweries, and one of them already opens its brewery tap on a weekly basis. London Beer Factory is open on Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons and is worth a visit - especially if neighbours Gipsy Hill Brewery are also having one of their occasional open days (they plan to open weekly in due course).

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: London Beer Dispensary, Crofton Park

Posted 2014-09-13 17:46:15

Late Knights Brewery have now opened 3 excellent bars in London, plus one in Brighton. This highly atmospheric bar in Crofton Park may be the pick of the bunch, and comes highly recommended. As well as some great beer and a wonderful ambience, there's great food and one of the best pub ceilings in London....

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Beer Rebellion, Peckham

Posted 2014-09-13 17:46:03

The latest pub from Late Knights Brewery is now open in Peckham - right by Queens Road Peckham station. Its a simple one roomed bar but has loads of atmosphere and an excellent beer selection. Late Knights are now doing some seriously impressive bars and this one is right up there with the others. Definitely check it out!

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

Clerkenwell's Gunmakers sold

Posted 2014-08-27 10:32:36

The big news today is that Jeff, owner and landlord of the Gunmakers, EC1, has sold the pub after 5 hugely successful years. For now we understand that he plans to focus on his other, newer pub the Finborough Arms in SW10 (Earls Court/West Brompton).

While the Gunmakers will continue as a pub (or bar), we understand that the new owners do not have a specific beery interest, so it is likely that the pub will no longer retain its excellent range of well kept ales.

The Guide wishes Jeff every success for the future. His farewell drinks are planned for Saturday 6 September at the pub and all are welcome.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New London brewery: Big Smoke Brew Co, Surbiton

Posted 2014-08-21 00:21:58

Big Smoke Brew Co, located behind the excellent Antelope pub in Surbiton, have now started brewing. Their first beer - a hoppy pale - should be ready soon.

The total number of breweries in the London area is now 71. Our full list is here:

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

Updated Guide entry: The Trafalgar, South Wimbledon

Posted 2014-08-17 05:38:55

The people who run the Hope in Carshalton have now taken on the Trafalgar in South Wimbledon. They've given it a much needed spruce up and greatly improved the beer range. Definitely well worth checking out if you haven't been in a while....

Click on the red info button next to the header in this news article to see our updated Guide entry.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: The Queen's Arms, SW7

Posted 2014-08-17 04:49:46

Our first Guide entry in Kensington, this pub is a great choice if you're attending the Royal Albert Hall. Its the nearest pub to the Hall and by far the best bet for good beer in this area.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: BrewDog Clapham Junction

Posted 2014-08-17 04:25:58

We've updated the Guide with a new entry, the excellent new BrewDog Clapham Junction. With 24 taps of the usual high quality beer and a clever evolution of the BrewDog brand, this new bar is highly recommended.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New longer opening hours at The Bohemia, N12

Posted 2014-08-11 12:29:16

The new North Finchley venue from London Brewing Co - The Bohemia - is now open from 12 noon every day. Excellent news!

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

Longroom rebrands as Bar Smith

Posted 2014-08-11 12:21:10

Farringdon's rather excellent Longroom has had a change of ownership and a complete rebrand. Its now called Bar Smith, and rather worryingly the Twitter feed and website seems to focus on spirits and cocktails rather than beer. However, early reports suggest that the previously good beer range will remain.

All reports will be welcome. A new photo will follow when I get back to see the place in its new guise. For now, I've updated the Guide entry, which can be found by following the link via the red 'info' button by the header for this news article.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

Deletion from London brewery list: Adventure Brewery

Posted 2014-08-11 11:59:49

Adventure Brewery have 'temporarily suspended' brewing and so have been deleted from our list of London breweries. I understand that they are looking for investment in order to buy a new, bigger brew kit, and that their current kit is up for sale.

With thanks to Nick Payne of News & Ale, John Cryne of London Brewers' Alliance, and also London Drinker for assistance with the detail around this news.

Our new 'Top Picks': London's Top 20 places to drink good beer

Posted 2014-08-06 08:04:20

London's beer scene continues to grow and change at a rapid pace. Given the number of great new places which have opened since the start of 2014 we thought it time to review our list of 'Top Picks'. Our fully revised list features our choice of London's current Top 20 places to drink good beer. The full list can be found here:

New London brewery: Bloomsbury Brewery

Posted 2014-08-06 07:47:17

Bloomsbury Brewery is situated in the cellar of The Perseverance pub, Lamb's Conduit Street. Their first beers have been seen on sale in the pub and so we have now added them to our list of London breweries. Reports on the beers would be welcome.

Addition to brewery list: Abbey Ford Brewery, Chertsey

Posted 2014-08-06 00:19:18

This is stretching our definition to the limit, but Abbey Ford Brewery are within the M25 - only just, being about a mile inside, in Chertsey, Surrey - and so I have added them to our brewery list. Unfortunately they are very quiet on Twitter so I have little information, but I understand that their beers have been seen at Egham Beer Festival.

Any additional information will be welcome.

New Guide entry: Pig and Butcher, N1

Posted 2014-08-04 00:19:36

Sister pub to the excellent Smokehouse near Highbury and Islington tube, this (very gastro-) pub is much closer to Angel station. In common with Smokehouse the food is of very high quality. The beery interest is in the bottled list of around 60, which includes some very good choices.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New extended opening hours at Brick Brewery

Posted 2014-07-31 10:38:12

Brick Brewery is now open on Friday evenings (5pm - 9pm) as well as Saturday 12 - 9pm.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

Deletion from London brewery list: East Wickham Brewery

Posted 2014-07-29 04:48:34

The long planned East Wickham brewery has apparently only just been installed, so pending their first brew I have removed them from our brewery list.

As soon as they are operational I will be adding them to the list once again.

If anyone gets a chance to view the brewery or has any update on the brewing please let us know. All information is very welcome.

Deletion from London brewery list: Shamblemoose

Posted 2014-07-29 04:42:40

Shamblemoose have been deleted from our London brewery list.

Brewing has been put 'on hold' and they are no longer brewing at Late Knights. I understand that they will make an announcement about their future plans in due course, and that this is likely to involve their own brewery in Surrey, but I have no confirmation of this as yet.

We await further news with interest.

London Craft Beer Festival, 14 - 17 August 2014

Posted 2014-07-28 00:13:39

The 2nd edition of London Craft Beer Festival will be held at Oval Space, Bethnal Green from August 14th to 17th.

Food last year was of excellent quality and this year Ginger Pig, Rita's and Plump Cafe will be on hand to make sure you don't go hungry.

This year's entrance ticket includes unlimited tasters of any or all of the beers available. You can get your tickets here:http://bit.ly/LCBF2014

This is sure to be another great festival and comes highly recommended.

Changes in opening hours: The Gunmakers, Stormbird and Brew Wharf

Posted 2014-07-27 05:54:19

There have recently been various changes in opening hours at three Guide entries, as follows:

The Gunmakers, EC1: they have reverted to their original opening hours, i.e. open all day Mon - Fri only, and closed all day Saturday and Sunday. The reason for stopping the weekend opening is due to the weekened restaurant pop up pulling out.

Stormbird, SE5: now opens from 12 noon Saturdays and Sundays. Weekday opening time is still 4pm.

Brew Wharf, SE1: are now opening Sundays, though they close at 8pm. Also now that brewing has ceased, the Brew Wharf beers have been replaced by cask beers from Truman's. The kegs remain almost exclusively Meantime.

Deletion from London brewery list: Clouded Minds

Posted 2014-07-26 02:56:36

Previously based in Southgate, North London, Clouded Minds have now completed their long anticipated move out of London. They are now brewing in Derbyshire so we have deleted them from our brewery list. We wish them all the very best for the future.

White Hart Brew Pub renamed One Mile End Brew Co

Posted 2014-07-26 02:42:05

Whitechapel's White Hart Brew Pub has renamed its brewery. It is now called One Mile End Brew Co. I have had very good reports of the beers being produced under the new Head Brewer, who I understand used to work at Redemption. I look forward to revisiting soon.

New Guide entry: The Bohemia, N12

Posted 2014-07-25 00:12:00

The new sister pub to Highgate's Bull has now opened in North Finchley, N12. It's soon to become London Brewing Co's second brewpub, with brewing due to commence in the next couple of months. The pub is huge, airy and comfortable, offering an impressive range of beers and high quality food. Check out our Guide entry for full details.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New London brewery: Upstairs Brewing

Posted 2014-07-23 09:10:24

This new London brewery is based in E17 but does its full scale brews at Clarence and Fredericks in Croydon. You can try their early beers at the Wandsworth Common Beer Festival which starts tomorrow, Weds 24th July. Reports welcome.

This brings the number of London breweries back up to 72. Full list here:

New Guide entry: Beavertown Brewery Tap

Posted 2014-07-23 00:15:27

Beavertown Brewery's excellent new brewery tap is now open (on Saturdays only, 12 - 6pm). Its a 5 minute walk from Tottenham Hale station and is a great place to visit. Full details in our new Guide entry - a new 'Top Pick'.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

Balham Brewery relocates and are renamed Cult Brewing

Posted 2014-07-17 12:50:02

Balham Brewery are no longer in Balham: they have relocated to Chipstead and changed their name to Cult Brewing. As this is within the M25 it still qualifies as London under our criteria, however at the moment they are not yet brewing commercially.

As and when they start brewing commercially we will be delighted to add Cult Brewing to our list of London breweries.

For now the total stands at 71.

The Harp sold to Fullers

Posted 2014-07-16 13:26:40

Covent Garden's Harp has been sold to Fullers due to the owner's retirement. We do not yet know what this might mean for the beer range, but we report more news when we have it.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New London brewery added to list: Gipsy Hill Brewing Co

Posted 2014-07-05 03:09:17

Welcome to Gipsy Hill Brewing Co, who have now started brewing and whose beers are out now out in the wild. They become London's 72nd brewery and have been added to our list:

http://beerguidelondon.co.uk/breweries

New London brewery added to list: Orbit Beers, SE17

Posted 2014-06-30 12:24:31

Total number of London breweries is now up to 71 with the addition of new SE17 brewery Orbit Beers. Due to start brewing tomorrow, 1st July, this is one to watch:

Change of opening hours: Harrild and Sons

Harrild and Sons opening hours have changed - they now do not open until 5pm on Saturdays. Full opening hours listed on their Guide entry.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

Two deletions from Guide: Ales & Tails and Duchess of Cambridge

Posted 2014-06-15 13:55:16

We are sorry to hear of the impending closure of two Guide entries: Ales & Tails in Twickenham and the Duchess of Cambridge, Stamford Brook. Both have been deleted from the Guide.

New brewpub Guide entry: Dragonfly Brewery at the George & Dragon, Acton

Posted 2014-06-13 01:44:32

A new brewpub has opened in the historic old George & Dragon pub on Acton High Street, W3. We were impressed with the first beers from its own new Dragonfly Brewery, which is located at the back of the pub. Check out our new Guide entry, here:

New Guide entry: The Three Johns, Angel N1

Posted 2014-05-26 02:17:47

The latest venue from the impressive Barworks group (Exmouth Arms, Harrild & Sons, Well & Bucket, etc) has now opened on White Lion Street, Angel. The Three Johns is just one block from Craft Beer Co, making this one of the beeriest streets in London. Its worth a visit just to marvel at its stunning ceiling; the pizzas are very good; and of course there are many excellent beers.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Craft Beer Co, WC1

Posted 2014-05-18 10:39:33

Craft Beer Co's 5th London location opened on 9th May with a stunning 45 taps (15 cask, 30 keg). Slightly smaller than Craft Leather Lane, its nevertheless very comfortable with a lovely downstairs room. A great, central location - as well as a superb beer offer - guarantees that this one will be super busy and no doubt a huge success.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Duke's Head, Highgate

Posted 2014-05-18 10:19:56

This new Guide entry is rather good: a simple but smart one roomed pub offering 10 cask and 10 keg beers plus a small but well chosen selection of bottles. As its a short walk from local brewpub The Bull, Highgate now has two good pubs, both of which are highly recommended.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New London brewery: London Beer Lab, SW9

Posted 2014-05-18 09:22:28

A new brewery has been added to our list: London Beer Lab, in Brixton, SW9. As well as a very small scale commercial brewing operation they also host tastings and brewing workshops, as well as selling homebrew supplies.

Their beers can be found on sale at a few select locations in and around Brixton such as Craft Beer Co, Market Row Wines and DVine Cellars.

The London brewery total is now up to 69, and you can find the full list here:

New brewery coming soon: Bexley Brewery

Posted 2014-05-15 04:08:44

A new brewery in Bexley is coming soon - the first brewery in the borough for 60 years. Bexley Brewery beers will be available at Bexley BF this weekend - presumably test brews, as their website states they are hoping to start by September:

We will add the to our brewery list when we get more info about their current status.

New Guide entry: Look Mum No Hands, Mare St, E8

Posted 2014-05-13 01:20:54

For something a little different, check out new Guide entry Look Mum No Hands, on Mare Street just a couple of minutes' walk from London Fields Tap Room. A small but high quality draft (keg) selection is complemented by an equally high quality bottled range - mostly from London breweries.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: People's Park Tavern, Victoria Park, E9

Posted 2014-05-13 01:10:50

New brewpub the People's Park Tavern is right by a gate into the wonderful Victoria Park. We were impressed by both food and their own beers - of which 6 were available on handpump on our visit. Well worth checking out.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Lofty Turtle, East Sheen

Posted 2014-05-13 01:06:06

Fancy some American beer in East Sheen? Check out new Guide entry the Lofty Turtle. This one's been around for a while but for some unknown reason it took a while to finally get to visit. If you like Stone beers this should be a good choice.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

Grape and Grain, Crystal Palace bought by Wetherspoons

Posted 2014-05-13 00:46:49

We were saddened to hear that the rather good Grape & Grain in Crystal Palace has been sold to JD Wetherspoons. While of course this is a better outcome than G & G closing entirely and maybe becoming a supermarket, its still not great news given that there are already plenty of 'Spoons pubs including one quite nearby (the Postal Order, Westow Street).

The good news is that the change won't happen in the immediate future but its still sad to lose a good, local independent pub which offers an excellent choice of beer.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide Entry: Mother Kelly's, Bethnal Green

Posted 2014-05-12 00:21:16

One of several new bottle shops recently opened in London, this one is a real gem: a bottle shop and bar in one. Its in a spacious, bright and airy railway arch close to Bethnal Green tube, and just a couple of minutes from Redchurch Brewery. With 23 drafts and a selection of around 75 bottles this one is highly recommended and immediately a Guide 'Top Pick'.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Bottle Shop, SE1

Posted 2014-04-27 09:30:53

The latest addition to the Bermondsey Beer Mile is the excellent Bottle Shop, open each Saturday and serving a couple of draft beers plus your choice from their bottled selection of around 200. They offer some outstanding choices at excellent prices. Five doors down from Anspach & Hobday/Bullfinch Brewery tap on Druid St, this is an essential stop on the Mile.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: Draft House Seething

Posted 2014-04-27 09:24:08

This new entry is an excellent Draft House with one of their best beer ranges. Right on the edge of the City, and very handy for Tower Hill station, which is only a couple of minutes away. Definitely well worth a visit.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New Guide entry: The Miller, SE1

Posted 2014-04-27 09:18:44

Found in an unlikely location right behing Guy's Hospital, this new entry is in the Guide for its rather good range of bottled beers from some of the best breweries in London. Check it out for lots of Kernel, Weird Beard, Partizan and more. Shame the drafts are not of the same standard but I live in hope.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New opening hours: Kernel & Brew by Numbers

Posted 2014-04-27 09:07:40

Both Kernel and Brew by Numbers have changed their opening hours. Somewhat inconveniently, Kernel will now close at 2pm (opening is 9am) making an early start imperative for those 'doing the mile'.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

Brewery deletion: Hoppy Collie

Posted 2014-04-23 10:23:15

Last year Hoppy Collie sold their brewkit and announced plans to go gypsy. Unfortunately those plans have 'gone into hibernation' and Hoppy Collie are not currently brewing. I have therefore deleted them from our brewery list.

I wish them well for the future and hope that we will one day be adding them back onto our list of current London breweries.

The current list can be found here: http://beerguidelondon.co.uk/breweries - total now being 68.

New weekend opening at The Gunmakers, Clerkenwell

Posted 2014-04-06 06:54:37

The excellent Gunmakers Arms in Clerkenwell is now open weekends - from 6pm - 11pm Saturdays, and from 12 noon to 6pm Sundays. Food available both days.

New brewery added: Warrant Officer, E17

Posted 2014-03-27 01:57:48

News reaches us of another new London brewpub - at the Warrant Officer pub in E17. Former home of the Wild Card brewery, this new brewery has just started to brew its first beer. If you visit and taste the beers we would love to hear your views.

Three breweries added to the Guide's list: total now 68

Posted 2014-03-23 08:37:10

I've decided to add Signature Brew to our brewery list. Based in London, they often seem to brew outside London (i.e. at Titanic) but I understand that they do also brew in London, so I've decided to add them.

I've also added two new breweries about which I don't have a huge amount of information.

Firstly SWIG (Furzedown): 'mini micro brewers' who brew beer for sale at local markets and events in the Tooting area.

Secondly, Park Brewery, who have brewed an APA for the Jam Tree pubs in Chelsea and Clapham. I am not clear about any other output and whether they brew exclusively for the Jam Tree or also sell their beer elsewhere. Their website is broken so information is limited, and I await a reply to my query via Twitter.

Any further info on any of these would be most welcome and I will udpate these new pages when I have more information.

Deletion from London brewery list: Ellenberg's, West London

Posted 2014-03-21 02:15:59

We are sorry to report the winding down of brewing operations at Ellenberg's brewery, West London. It has therefore been deleted from our brewery list. We would like to wish Mike Ellenberg all the very best for the future.

New pub entry: Lazy Fox, Fulham

We've added Fulham's Lazy Fox to the Guide. A good range of quality keg and bottled beers and a few cask ales too. Self serve beer anyone? Come and check out the Beer Wall (see photo below).

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New pub entry: Electricity Showrooms, Hoxton

Posted 2014-03-17 13:11:29

The increasingly excellent Barworks group has opened another intriguing new venue right by Hoxton Square: Electricity Showrooms. While the beer list here is not quite as extensive as sister pubs Exmouth Arms and Harrild and Sons, there are still some great choices - for example, Burning Sky beers when we visited. This one is well worth a visit.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New pub entry: Finborough Arms, West Brompton

Posted 2014-03-17 12:50:10

The new sister pub to Clerkenwell's Gunmakers Arms is now open in West Brompton. A revived pub located under a theatre, this pub features a range of cask and quality keg beers including Lagunitas IPA and Tipopils from Italy. Highly recommended.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

Deletions from Guide: The Lamb, Chiswick and The Botanist, Kew

Posted 2014-03-16 09:47:42

Both The Lamb, Chiswick and The Botanist, Kew were recently sold to Mitchells and Butlers. We knew already that brewing had stopped, but I got round to calling in to check on the beer range at both places this week.

Unfortunately the previously impressive beer range has been greatly reduced at both pubs, so they have both been deleted from the Guide. Bottled ranges have been decimated and there were few keg beers of any interest. The cask line up in both was fairly generic with a few decent beers but nothing particularly exceptional. It was also very sad to see both brew kits still in situ looking very sad and unused.

I was also not impressed that The Lamb is still calling itself 'The Lamb Brewery' (see photo) and there are still various references to The Botanist brewing its own beer. I feel that M & B should really correct this and give a true and accurate picture of the lack of brewing at either site.

All very sad as these were two good options in an area with few good pubs.

New London brewery: The Dragonfly, Acton

New pub entry: Harrild and Sons

Posted 2014-03-09 13:43:06

Another excellent new bar in the Barworks group (Exmouth Arms, Well & Bucket and more) has just opened on Farringdon Street, between Farringdon and Blackfriars Stations. As well as a superb interior this one is notable for having one of the best bottled beer lists in London.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

Brewing has now started at the People's Park Tavern, Victoria Park, London E9. This is one of two London outposts of Brighton's Laine Brewing Co - the other being the Aeronaut, Acton. The new brewery has been added to our list, here:

New pub entry: The Antelope, Surbiton

Posted 2014-02-08 08:16:41

The brand new sister pub to Twickenham's Sussex Arms opened in Surbiton on 6 February. The Guide visited The Antelope on 7th and was extremely impressed, immediately making the pub a new Guide 'Top Pick'. Read the full details in our new Guide entry.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New version of the Guide for smart phones

Posted 2014-02-05 14:18:37

We've now a version of the Guide which works better on phones. Check it out: m.beerguidelondon.com - also linked at bottom of each page.

Brew Wharf stops brewing

Posted 2014-02-03 12:54:49

Unfortunately Brew Wharf appear to have stopped brewing completely. The excellent brewer Angelo is going to Brodie's and it seems that a decision has been taken to cease brewing completely.
It remains to be seen what will happen to the beer range - presumably yet more Meantime? - so for now we've updated the Guide entry with a 'watch this space' while we find out more information.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New London brewery: White Hart Brew Pub, E1

Posted 2014-02-03 11:44:36

Thanks to Allan Tyrer (@atyrer) for information about the new White Hart Brew Pub in Mile End. We've added it to our brewery list and are looking forward to visiting.

New brewery tap entry: Brick Brewery, Peckham Rye

Posted 2014-02-02 12:09:41

Brick Brewery is now getting ready for their regular Saturday openings from Sat 8 Feb, so what better time to add them to the Guide.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New brewery tap entry: Twickenham Fine Ales

Posted 2014-02-02 07:14:17

Check out our new Guide entry for the brewery tap at Twickenham Fine Ales. Located just a minute's walk from the wonderful Sussex Arms, though watch the very limited opening hours.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New brewery tap entry: Anspach & Hobday/Bullfinch Brewery Tap

Posted 2014-02-02 06:39:54

The latest Bermondsey brewery tap is now open Saturdays only, making a great first or last stop on Bermondsey's brewery tap crawl.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

Coming soon: Anspach & Hobday/Bullfinch Brewery tasting room

Posted 2014-01-26 09:19:10

Bermondsey's 5th and 6th breweries are just a few weeks away from opening their new tap room on Druid Street (very near the old Kernel location) - probably on Saturdays, with opening times TBC.
Based on the Guide's sneak preview visit yesterday, these two breweries are going to be serving up some excellent beers.
Definitely two to watch...and one very promising new joint tasting room to visit along with the other 4 stops on the Bermondsey brewery tap crawl.
Full Guide entry to follow once its officially open.
Thanks to both Anspach and Hobday and Bullfinch for their superb hospitality yesterday.

New brewery tap entry: Fourpure Brewing Co

Posted 2014-01-26 08:32:37

Fourpure's new tap room is now open Saturdays 11am to 5pm and is yet another excellent addition to Bermondsey's stunning brewery mile.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

Update: Pakenham Arms

Posted 2014-01-25 05:06:54

Apparently Pakenham Arms has now reopened but a recent report suggests a limited beer range. Need to revisit; reports welcome.

New pub entry: Williams Ale & Cider House, Liverpool Street

Posted 2014-01-20 12:40:59

We've added an entry for this new place near Liverpool Street. If you visit, we'd welcome your views.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New pub entry: Kings Arms, Bethnal Green

Posted 2014-01-20 12:37:27

Not to be confused with the Kings Arms at Waterloo, this is the new sister pub to the Earl of Essex, and its equally good.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

New pub entry: Hack and Hop

Posted 2014-01-20 12:15:43

First new pub entered in the Guide since our launch - the excellent Hack and Hop, just off Fleet Street. Sister pub to Dean Swift and Old Red Cow....we think you'll like this place.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

Fourth London Craft Beer Co pub opens

Posted 2013-12-22 20:57:47

This one is just off Clapham High Street. Smaller than the pubs in Leather Lane and Islington, it is nevertheless cosy and comfortable.

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

Third London Brewdog bar opens

Posted 2013-12-06 20:53:30

This one is in Shepherd's Bush and is the best yet. Larger than the bars in Camden and Shoreditch, and offering 40 taps!

Check out our Guide entry via the red info button by the header of this news update.

Lamb Brewery (Chiswick) and The Botanist (Kew) no longer brewing

Posted 2013-11-03 07:23:26

The Lamb Brewery and The Botanist were recently sold to mega chain Mitchells & Butlers and have ceased brewing. How will this affect the beer list? Watch this space.

Pub closure: Pakenham Arms

Posted 2013-11-03 06:58:09

As of October 12. 2013. Hopefully a new pub will arise but it probably will become a block of flats.